If you own a home in Santa Monica, the EBB program may be one of the most valuable opportunities you haven’t taken advantage of yet. The Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) program is a California state grant that pays up to $3,000 toward the cost of seismically retrofitting eligible wood-frame homes — and Santa Monica has thousands of properties that qualify. This guide breaks down everything Santa Monica homeowners need to know about the EBB program, including eligibility, the application process, and what to expect when you hire a licensed contractor to do the work.
What Is the Earthquake Brace + Bolt Program?
The Earthquake Brace + Bolt program — commonly called EBB — is administered by the [California Residential Mitigation Program] (CRMP), a partnership between the California Earthquake Authority and the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. Its purpose is straightforward: help California homeowners strengthen the weakest point of their house before a major earthquake strikes.
Most homes built before 1980 sit on an unbolted or under-bolted cripple wall — the short section of framing between the foundation and the first floor. During an earthquake, this is where homes collapse or shift off their foundations. The EBB retrofit braces and bolts this wall, dramatically reducing the risk of catastrophic structural failure.
Since 2014, the program has helped more than 40,000 California homeowners complete seismic retrofits. For a deeper look at cost versus benefit, see our guide on the [Earthquake Brace + Bolt program: cost vs. benefit analysis for Los Angeles homeowners](/earthquake-brace-bolt-program-cost-vs-benefit-analysis).
## Does Santa Monica Qualify for the EBB Program?
Yes. Santa Monica is an active EBB program zip code, and many homes in the city meet the eligibility criteria. The program targets the types of homes most common in Santa Monica’s older residential neighborhoods — Craftsman bungalows, Spanish-style houses, and early mid-century construction built before modern seismic codes took effect.
You can verify current eligible zip codes directly on the California Residential Mitigation Program website. Eligibility changes each funding cycle, so it’s worth checking even if your address wasn’t included in a previous round.
For questions about local permitting requirements for seismic retrofits in Santa Monica, the City of Santa Monica Building and Safety Division is the right starting point.
How Much Money Can Santa Monica Homeowners Receive?
The EBB grant covers up to $3,000 toward the cost of a qualifying seismic retrofit. For income-qualified homeowners, that amount increases to $6,000. The grant is paid directly to the licensed contractor you hire — you never handle the money yourself.
Most standard EBB retrofits in the Los Angeles area cost between $3,000 and $7,000 depending on the size of the home, foundation type, and accessibility of the crawl space. That means many Santa Monica homeowners can get the job done for little to nothing out of pocket, or significantly reduce what they owe.
For a full breakdown of what you can expect to pay in this region, our 2026 EBB Grant Guide for Los Angeles Homeowners covers current funding amounts, income tiers, and what the retrofit process looks like from start to finish.
What Types of Homes Qualify for EBB in Santa Monica?
Not every home qualifies. The EBB program is specifically designed for a particular construction type. Your home is likely eligible if it meets all of the following criteria:
1. Built before 1980— Homes built after modern seismic codes were adopted typically don’t need this retrofit.
2. Wood-frame construction — The program addresses wood-frame structures, not concrete or masonry buildings.
3. Cripple wall present — Your home must have a raised foundation with a crawl space beneath the first floor.
4. Single-family or small multi-family — The program covers one- to four-unit residential properties.
5. Owner-occupied — Rental-only investment properties are not eligible.
If you’re unsure whether your Santa Monica home qualifies, the fastest way to find out is a free foundation inspection. A licensed contractor can assess your crawl space, identify your foundation type, and tell you exactly what EBB work your home needs — before you apply for anything.
How Does the EBB Application Process Work?
The EBB process in Santa Monica follows the same steps as elsewhere in Los Angeles County:
Step 1. Confirm your Santa Monica address falls in an active EBB service area on the CRMP website.
Step 2: Apply during the open registration window..The program opens registration on a set schedule each year. Applications are handled online and approved on a first-come, first-served basis within each zip code. The 2026 EBB grant guide has current window dates.
Step 3: Receive your authorization.** Once approved, you’ll get a reservation number that authorizes you to hire a participating EBB contractor.
Step 4: Hire a licensed EBB contractor. This is where Golden Retrofit comes in. We are a licensed California contractor familiar with the EBB documentation and inspection requirements in Los Angeles County. We pull permits, complete the retrofit, and handle the paperwork so you receive your grant credit.
Step 5: Pass inspection and close out. After the work is done, the city inspects the retrofit. Once it passes, the grant funds are released to your contractor — completing the process.
You can verify any contractor’s license before hiring them at CSLB.ca.gov.
Why Santa Monica Homeowners Should Act Now
Santa Monica sits in one of California’s most seismically active corridors. The city is bordered by the Santa Monica Fault to the north and sits within range of the Malibu Coast Fault and several other active systems identified in California Geological Survey seismic hazard maps. A significant event on any of these faults could affect tens of thousands of homes.
Beyond earthquake risk, there’s a practical financial reason to act: EBB funding is limited and allocated by zip code. Once a zip code’s allocation runs out, homeowners in that area are placed on a waitlist or must wait until the next funding cycle. Registration windows open and close — and in competitive zip codes like those in Santa Monica, spots fill quickly.
It’s also worth noting that retrofitted homes typically see a reduction in earthquake insurance premiums. The California Earthquake Authority offers a [Brace + Bolt discount] for homeowners who complete a qualifying retrofit. That ongoing savings can add up year after year.
For more on why seismic retrofitting is a smart long-term investment, see Is Seismic Retrofitting Worth It in Los Angeles?
Golden Retrofit: Your EBB Contractor in Santa Monica
Golden Retrofit is a licensed foundation and seismic retrofitting contractor serving Santa Monica and communities throughout Los Angeles County. We have completed EBB retrofits across the LA region — from Glendale to Long Beach — and understand the specific permit requirements, crawl space conditions, and construction types common in Santa Monica’s residential neighborhoods.
When you work with us, you get:
– A free on-site inspection to confirm EBB eligibility before you apply
– Help understanding the application and reservation process
– A fully licensed, insured retrofit performed to EBB program specifications
– Complete permit and inspection management from start to finish
We serve homeowners throughout Santa Monica, West Hollywood, Culver City, and all surrounding communities in the LA GBP ring. If your home qualifies, we can get you from inspection to a completed, permitted retrofit — and make sure you receive every dollar of grant funding you’re entitled to.
Ready to find out if your home qualifies? Schedule a free foundation inspection or call us today.
Does my Santa Monica home qualify for the EBB program?
Most single-family wood-frame homes in Santa Monica built before 1980 with a cripple wall foundation are eligible. The fastest way to confirm is a free on-site inspection from a licensed EBB contractor. You can also check your zip code on the California Residential Mitigation Program website.
How long does an EBB retrofit take in Santa Monica?
Most standard EBB retrofits are completed in one to two days once permits are in place. The permitting and inspection timeline adds a few additional weeks, but the actual construction work is minimal — the bulk of it happens in your crawl space with no disruption to your living spaces.
Is the EBB grant taxable income?
The EBB grant is paid directly to your contractor and generally is not considered taxable income for the homeowner. For specific guidance on your situation, consult a tax professional.
What happens if I miss the EBB registration window in Santa Monica?
If the window closes before you register, you can join a waitlist or prepare to apply in the next funding cycle. In the meantime, you can still complete a seismic retrofit at your own cost — you simply won’t receive the grant subsidy. Some homeowners choose to do this because the long-term protection and potential insurance discount still make the investment worthwhile.
Can I use the EBB program if I rent out a unit in my home?
Yes, if you also live in the property. Owner-occupied homes with up to four units are eligible. Pure investment properties where the owner does not reside are not covered by the EBB program.